Think and Drive: Expert safe driving tips for the holidays

Today is expected to be one of the busiest on NSW roads and there’s more to a road trip than making sure your bags fit in the boot and the petrol tank is full, experts revealed. Here are some top tips before you hop in the car this festive season.

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Today is expected to be one of the busiest on NSW roads and there’s more to a road trip than making sure your bags fit in the boot and the petrol tank is full, experts revealed.

They said the more prepared you are, the safer you’ll be. Here are their top tips before you hop in the car this festive season:

Leave rested: “We quite often think it won’t happen to me, but we all need to be focused on making sure as a community we take a rest and stay safe on the roads — we need to drive down the road toll,” Centre for Road Safety executive ­director Bernard Carlon said.

“When you’re driving, look out for the early warning signs of fatigue — yawning, finding it hard to concentrate or getting sore or tired eyes.”

Boxing Day traffic on the Hume Hwy yesterday. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Service your car: NRMA’s executive director of motoring operations Melanie Kansil said it was important to make sure your car service was up to date before heading off.

Do your own checks: There are also things you should be checking if it’s not time for a service — things like tyre tread, engine oil, brake fluid and battery life.

Be mentally prepared: “Remain alert,” Ms Kansil continued. “There is an illusion of safety sometimes, but things can happen in a second and we know that 94 per cent of road fatalities involve some kind of human error. Not paying attention could change everything.”

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Pack prepared: Traffic and Highway Patrol Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said it was important to pack plenty of snacks and water for everyone in the car. “If travelling with younger children don’t forget things like a change of clothes and car sick bags,” he said.

Download the essentials: Mr Corboy recommended Live Traffic from the Transport Management Centre, Speed Adviser from the Centre for Road Safety, and Bush Fires Near Me.

Have a plan — and charger: “Break the trip up into shorter journeys and do not overload the vehicle. If you are towing a caravan or trailer, make sure all the connections and lights work too,” Mr Corboy added.